Micromobility devices, also known as e-bikes and e-scooters, have been gaining popularity in Alaska, including Wrangell.
Wrangell’s borough assembly debated regulating them on locally-managed roads during a May 27 meeting. This would ensure riders follow state law that includes an age limit of 14-years-old and requiring helmet use.
Community members strongly voiced their opinions not to restrict these devices. Some stated that their children operate their e-bikes and e-scooters responsibly and adhere to traffic laws. They also said that Wrangell is not a big city with crowds of people and vehicle congestion. Additionally, they said they don’t want their children to lose their independence. This includes Wrangellite Solvay Gillen.
“Please do not take away freedom, but instead give some rules that help kids stay safe while riding,” she said.
Many residents suggested safety training for kids to be able to ride, including Angela Allen, who has a 10-year old daughter who rides an e-scooter. She suggested a permit system for operators, emphasizing the need for responsible riding.
She said, “There are kids that are irresponsible, there’s kids that don’t know how, but then there are kids that have saved their money and they bought these items for themselves, and then now the city says, ‘Oh, wait, we’re sorry, because so and so did something wrong. You can’t use yours.’”
On the contrary, city officials said they received many calls from Wrangellites concerned about unsafe e-bike use. Borough officials said they are concerned too, and they want to prevent any accident or fatality from happening.
Protecting youth by ensuring safety
Police Chief Gene Meek emphasized the need for regulations to ensure safety and protect youth, noting the high number of calls related to e-bikes and e-scooter incidents.
He said, “This is one of the most calls for service that we get during the summertime hours is, ‘Oh my god. A kid just came off the side street, and I stopped at the stop sign, rode out in front of me, and they took off doing at least 30 miles an hour, and now they’re on the sidewalk.’”
Alaska law already regulates e-bikes and e-scooters on state-owned roads. Riders must be at least 14-years old with a special driver’s permit to operate the devices.
“You guys had a chance to do something; you didn’t do it…”
Meek said Wrangell’s proposed ordinance mimics the state law, but would have more restrictions in terms of low-powered and high-powered devices.
He said it’s a complex issue because the devices have vastly different electrical power outputs with varying maximum speeds.
He said he does not oppose educating kids on using the devices, but if the borough holds educational courses, that would place liability on the borough.
Assembly member Dave Powell said this discussion is difficult for him and he’d like to see a balanced approach that protects youth while they use the devices.
“I don’t want to be sitting here when someone comes in here and says, ‘You guys had a chance to do something; you didn’t do it, and my grandson or my son or my daughter, or my daughter, granddaughter is dead because you did nothing,’” he said. “So how do we go from there? How do we proceed? From this point, you’re telling us not to do it.”
Wrangell’s discussion on micromobility devices was postponed until a June 24 workshop meeting at City Hall.
